PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade, avoid intense midday direct sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent rhizome rot
Temperature
Thrives at 15–22°C; protect from severe frost below 5°C to prevent rhizome damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate, clover-shaped bright green foliage, folds at night via nyctinasty
- Flower: Small five-petaled blooms in pink to pale purple clusters at stem tips
- Stem: Slender fleshy branching stems, grows from underground rhizomes
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Pause fertilization in winter during dormancy
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to supplement calcium and deter blossom end rotPruning
- Deadhead spent flower stems to encourage repeated blooming throughout the growing season
- Trim yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain a tidy clumping form
- Divide overcrowded rhizomes in early spring to propagate new plants
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; oxalate crystals cause oral pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
Humans: Contains oxalate crystals; large ingestion causes mild oral irritation and stomach upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental ground cover, window box plant; leaves have a tangy, citrus-like flavor for small culinary use
